Press release from Global Champions League (GCL), edited by World of Showjumping

The GCL of Mexico presented by GNP Seguros delivered another unforgettable chapter in the 2026 GCL season as St Tropez Pirates powered to a dramatic first win of the season at the iconic Campo Marte, mastering the pressure of two-round competition in front of a passionate, sold-out crowd.

In a finish that underlined the intensity of the new GCL format, St Tropez Pirates – Kaitlin Campbell (USA) on Karius (Van Gogh x Drossan) and Piergiorgio Bucci (ITA) aboard Pallieter vd N.Ranch (Cornet Obolensky x Toulon) – secured victory on a total of just four faults, clocking the winning total time of 147.23 seconds in round two. Hot on their heels, Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team – Simon Delestre (FRA) on Golden Boy DK (Diamant de Semilly x Cash) with Abdel Saïd (BEL) aboard Wathnan Bonne Amie (A Big Boy x Landfriese) – matched them on four faults but fell just short on time with 148.99 seconds. Rounding out an ultra-competitive podium, Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois –  Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) on Miro (Diamant de Semilly x Kannan) and Hipster SV (Corporal VDL x Cornetto) with Zascha Nygaard (DEN) on Com’On Drako de Maugre (Kannan x Fusain du Defey) and Charino PS (Chacco-Blue x Norif Larino) – also delivered on four penalties, securing third place finish in 149.41 seconds.

For the winning team, it marked a breakthrough moment early in the season, with a blend of experience and emerging talent coming together when it mattered most.

Speaking after their victory, Kaitlin Campbell, competing in her first season on tour, reflected on a landmark result: “This feeling is definitely not normal - I’m super happy to be here and we had an amazing result today. The whole team, PG and also Jérôme behind the scenes, does an incredible job keeping us focused and making sure everything goes to plan. Walking into the arena with that crowd is incredible.”

Her teammate Piergiorgio Bucci added: “Magnificent show, the crowd is amazing and the mare was really good. I’m very happy. Thank you to my teammate Kaitlin - she had an amazing double clear, we were lucky to be fast enough.”

Pushing them all the way to the final seconds, Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team delivered a statement performance to take second place.

Simon Delestre smiled: “A good start to the season - we’re really happy as the team did a fantastic job. I always say there’s a fantastic spirit within this team. Thank you to everyone and to the team manager for the support, even when things aren’t going as planned. Today is a great day for the team.”

Abdel Saïd then spoke to GCTV: “It’s always an honour to be in a class like this. Today I really focused on jumping clear - I knew a lot could happen, especially with that line into the double, so to be in contention you first have to be clear.”

Completing the podium, Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois showcased consistency and precision across both rounds to secure third place. Zascha Nygaard commented: “I’m very happy - it’s such a beautiful show and the horses are jumping great in this arena. The ground has been prepared beautifully, the course-building team has done an excellent job, and the whole atmosphere - from the crowd to the hospitality - really sets a high standard. I’m really pleased with my horses. I just missed a little bit to the last jump in the second round, which is a shame.”